Finding scholarships and grants

There are a lot of resources to help you pay for college. Learn how to find and apply for college scholarships and grants that can help you cover the costs of school.

Types and requirements

Some scholarships and grants are merit-based, while others are based on ethnic heritage or how you spend time out of school. Some provide support to students pursuing specific careers. Typically, there’s no limit to the number of scholarships and/or grants you can apply for; however, some programs put limits on the total amount you can accept each year. Both scholarships and grants usually have deadlines. It’s important to plan ahead and start the application process as early as possible.

How to find scholarships and grants on and offline

Doing some general research can help pinpoint the scholarship and grant options you qualify for based on your accomplishments, background, and interests. Here are a few methods to get the most out of your search:

Visit with your high school counselor.

Search for scholarships online, using Tuition Funding Sources, a private website designed to help students gain access to over 7 million scholarships totaling more than $41 billion.

Visit a school’s website or admissions office to determine if they offer any scholarships.

Look to institutions in your community, such as religious organizations, banks, or other civic organizations.

Check out local and national businesses to see what types of scholarships they offer.

Visit the U.S. Department of Education for information on federal government grants and to get a copy of a FAFSA form (the form you’ll need to complete to apply for most financial aid).

Beware of scholarship scams

Watch out for scams, especially online. Some common scam scenarios include “free” seminars that push you to pay for more information; application fees; and a scholarship prize that requires you pay a fee to collect. You shouldn’t have to pay money to get scholarships or grants.

Scholarships and grants are not guaranteed, so be sure to explore other funding options like Wells Fargo student loans. These loans provide a variety of options based on your needs. Wells Fargo has helped millions of students to invest in their education with loans for undergraduate, graduate, and medical schools.